MARION HOSTS FOURTH OF JULY BASH THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

As you are getting ready for this weekend's cook-outs, picnics and family fun, don't forget about all the things there are to do in Marion for the July 4th weekend!

This year, the Town of Marion is painting the town for the 4th of July. The colors? Patriotic, of course! Marion is hosting a Freedom 5k Run/Walk and inaugural “Red White and Blues” festival in the heart of historic downtown.

Start the morning off right, by participating in Marion's first Freedom 5k Run/Walk. The event will take place at Holston Hills Community Golf Course, where participates will begin registering at 7:00am. The run/walk will begin promptly at 8:00am, where participants will then make their way to the finish line at Marion's Farmers Market Pavilion. First, second and third place men and women winners will receive metals as well as a gift card to one of the restaurants downtown. There will also be gifts for the oldest, youngest and "best themed" participants. "5k races are popping up everywhere," said Olivia Hall, executive director of Marion Downtown. "What better way to join in on all the excitement than to host a race here in Marion." "Instead of the color or mud runs, we're doing something a little different. During the race, you will be "Running for your Freedom" and for all the members of Marion's VFW Post 4667." All the proceeds of the race will be donated to VFW Post 4667 and will go towards helping out with all the Memorial Day activities they host. "It's for a great cause, and we're wanting participants to get really creative," said Hall. "Along with the winners for best time, we'll be judging who has the best themed outfit as well!" $20 early registration for the race will last until July 3rd, and registration on the day of the event will be $25.

On the evening of July 4th, join us downtown for the "Red, White and Blues" Festival from 5pm through 10pm. Music kicks off with Glen Body & The Blues Cruisers at 5pm, and include The Bloodkin Jam Band AND an “All-Star Blues Jam” at 10pm to wrap up the concert. Marion Automotive Group is sponsoring a "Water Zone" for kids on Broad Street and will have inflatable's for them to play on throughout the night. Serendipity6 will be hosting a "Mini Carnival" on Iron Street Mall, and will have over 20 carnival games for kids to play as well. Wythe Raceway will also have their race cars parked on Main Street for a Cruise In and will be promoting their race and fireworks event for Saturday night.

Participating restaurants and eateries will have special “blues influenced” food and beverage menus. Participants are invited to bring a lawn chair. Main Street will be closed July 4th from 4 til 11pm for the event.

Along with the downtown festivities, there are several businesses who are hosting events in their stores as well! 27 Lions Restaurant will have the VW Boys playing from 8pm - 11pm on Thursday, July 3rd, Below Seven ($3 cover charge) from 9pm - midnight on Friday, July 4th, and Black Mountain Shine ($8 cover charge) from 9pm - midnight on Saturday, July 5th.

McNeil Furniture is also hosting their annual Tent Sale now through Saturday from 9am - 4pm. Stop by their tent outside and you might just find something great for your home...at a discounted price!

And Wolfe's BBQ Restaurant is celebrating their 1 year anniversary on Thursday night, July 3rd! What better way to celebrate and to thank all the customers for their support than to have events going on all day long! They'll be open from 11am - 10pm and the first 100 customers will receive a free BBQ sandwich! Kids eat FREE with the purchase of an adult platter, and they will be hosting door prize drawings and food specials all day long! Then, from 7pm - 10pm, Jarid Reedy will be playing music for you to enjoy while eating dinner!